Ivan/Hlinka Tournament – McKeen's Hockey

2025 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP PREVIEW -GROUP B – United States, Sweden, Slovakia, Germany – Slovakian hosts hope for an improved tournament, while Sweden returns with another strong squad

Linc Zdancewicz, Simon Johansson, Matej Deraj, and Chapin Landvogt — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 16:44:03 +0000

GROUP B

United States

By Linc Zdancewicz

The United States Hockey Program has been dominant at the international stage in recent history. However, this prominence has not carried over to the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament. The Red, White, and Blue haven’t won the tournament since 2003 and only have a bronze medal to their names in the last seven tournaments. Generally, this is due to the U.S. not bringing the best of their top prospects, often not selecting USNTDP players. Opting for lesser-proven prospects to fill out their roster to stand out. Luckily, this season they have an intriguing crop of prospects who will add firepower to their roster that can hopefully see a top three finish this year.

Looking at the rest of the field, the USA will have their work cut out for them. Staring down the barrel of a tough Swedish team in their own Group B and other teams like Czechia, Finland, and the absolutely loaded Canada squad in their way, America could find it difficult to medal. I predict this squad will at least be on the cusp of a bronze this year. Canada and Sweden are giants like most years, but I believe they can remain competitive with Finland and Czechia for that elusive third place finish.

Key Players:

Brooks Rogowski - C - Oshawa Generals (2026)

Bringing by far the most size in this group is Brooks Rogowoski, standing at 6-foot-6. Rogowski started looking like a problem for opposing OHL squads at the end of last year. His size is emphasized by a great skating ability, and solid compete level. Along with those traits, his anticipation was displayed quite well in his back checks and his positioning in the offensive zone for Oshawa this past season. He still needs to fine-tune his stick handling to better take advantage of some of his creativity with the puck, but, overall, Rogowski will most likely prove to be an effective power forward for the Americans in this tournament, who can produce points as well. He is currently committed to Michigan State for 2027-28.

Jack Hextall - C - Youngstown Phantoms (2026)

Moving to yet another Michigan State Commit, Jack Hextall showed off his patented skill and playmaking ability regularly this past season for Youngstown. Though I wouldn’t call his skating outstanding, his edgework allows him to change direction quickly and add serious pressure to opposing defenses. His marvelous stickhandling and playmaking strengths should help him out in the Hlinka Gretzky and in the USHL this upcoming season. Combine all of his strengths with his power play usage, and he can be a very effective performer in this tournament.

Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll - F - Medicine Hat Tigers (2027)

Electricity is personified by Utah-native and assistant captain, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll. His high energy is evident in every viewing. Though his draft year isn’t until 2027, Gordon-Carroll’s skills and overall game are at an advanced level for a 16-year-old. His creativity with the puck and his skating were crucial aspects in keeping plays alive for Medicine Hat this past season. Gordon-Carroll is going to be a must-watch player in the offensive zone. Defensively, he has all the energy to be an X-factor, stepping up on neutral zone opponents and tilting the ice in his favor. His mix of smart, responsible hockey and confidence with the puck could prove that America’s youngest player is also their most impactful.

Alofa Tunoa Ta’amu - D - Edmonton Oil Kings (2026)

The size of your blueline is becoming more and more important, so it should be no surprise that the son of a former NFL offensive lineman is a physical monster on the back end. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 220 pounds, Ta’amu is a hard defenseman to get past on rushes. Showcasing his strengths from his past year in Edmonton in the WHL, he is adept along the wall and especially on retrievals, he will make opposing teams have to work to maintain an offensive zone chance. Even though he is still a very raw prospect, Ta’amu will have every chance to emerge as a solid, reliable defensive defenseman this tournament.

Nikita Klepov - Forward - Saginaw Spirit (2026)

Florida-born Russian American, Nikita Klepov, is an opportunistic forward who should not be left alone in space. While playing in a reduced role for Sioux City last season, he buried 12 goals and should get more ice time with a Saginaw Spirit team that has lost much talent. Klepov should be a great mix of playmaking and goal scoring that should make the U.S.’s forward depth even more potent. Though his skating speed and small frame are not doing him any favors, Klepov makes plays regardless. Overall, Klepov is a sneaky offensive talent, and he’ll score a back-breaking goal when his opponents least expect it.

Blake Zielinski - Forward - Des Moines Buccaneers (2026)

After starting with the New Jersey Avalanche, Blake Zielinski became one of the most valuable players for the Des Moines Buccaneers last season. His combination of relentless compete, solid stick talent, and rocket of a shot makes him a serious offensive weapon for the Americans in this tournament. Some drawbacks that will hurt him are his skating speed and the occasional habit of panicking when pressured. Overall, Zielinski is an intriguing offensive threat to add to any line and will work very hard to keep the offensive momentum on his team’s side.

Will McLaughlin - Defense - Portland Winterhawks (2026)

Another dual citizen on this team is Will McLaughlin, who hails from Canmore, Alberta. McLaughlin showed a ton of skill and two-way prowess in the AJHL with Drumheller last season and should surprise many this upcoming season for the Portland Winterhawks. The Hlinka Gretzky will be the first time that many see how potent a distributor he is from the blueline. Add in his solid skating ability and tendency to join the rush, and you’ll have many more leave this tournament as a fan of his. Though I remain optimistic, the Hlinka-Gretzky will be a proving ground of sorts for McLaughlin, so keep your expectations tempered.

Sweden

By Simon Johansson

Last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup for team Sweden looked great, with players like Sascha Boumedienne, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Milton Gästrin, and Eric Nilson all going pretty high in the 2025 Draft. This year’s no different. While the top end talent like Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck will not be attending, there’s still plenty of talent to be excited about. The backend is still a bit weak just like last year, though guys like Axel Elofsson and Malte Gustafsson have the upside to be able to crack into the first round. But you also have forwards like Elton Hermansson and Marcus Nordmark that bring exciting offensive tools, who should be able to get plenty of ice time in the top six. You even have Bosse Meijer participating who is a high-end prospect for the 2027 draft that, despite his young age, should still be able to make a stamp on this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Key Players:

Axel Elofsson Photo: Andreas Sandström / BILDBYRÅN

Axel Elofsson - Defense - Örebro HK U20 (2026)

Most likely the defenseman with the highest offensive upside for a Swedish born player this draft, Axel Elofsson has a ton of similarities to Axel Sandin-Pelikka. Almost being point per game, Elofsson brings plus tools in skating and offense creation. He uses his crossovers well to evade forecheckers and thanks to his edgework he’s also able to open up lanes by dancing on the blueline. Size is going to be his biggest concern but already growing an inch from last year there is hope that he could add that size and remove the doubts from NHL teams.

Malte Gustafsson - Defense - HV71 U20 (2026)

Malte Gustafsson has plenty of tangible toolsets that would make NHL teams foam at the mouth. His 6-foot-4 frame, skating ability, hockey IQ, and offensive skill are hugely impactful traits in today’s modern NHL. He compares to Sascha Boumedienne when it comes to the tools, but Gustafsson is also very raw, so it is hard to say what kind of ceiling he has. As a June birthday as well, he will most likely stay with his U20 team in HV71 and continue honing his craft.

Nils Bartholdsson - Forward - Rögle BK U20 (2026)

The small energy forward Nils Bartholdsson will be looking to make an impact at the Hlinka to raise his stock. Almost clipping a point per game with his Rögle U20 and possessing a high motor type of game, he should be a very intriguing prospect. Despite his smaller size, he’s still strong on his skates and utilizes his low center of gravity well. However, the NHL is leaning towards a taller preference and even though Bartholdsson has first round talent, he’ll really have to sell his game to NHL scouts if he wants to get there.

Elton Hermansson - Wing - MoDo Hockey U20 (2026)

Coming into this year’s draft, Elton Hermansson has one of the best shots of any Swedish prospect. Maybe not the same caliber as Anton Frondell but Hermansson’s wristshot is a definite threat. Scoring 17 goals and 19 assists, he can also be a dual threat on the ice. He’ll drive play and will find his teammates in scoring areas thanks to his great vision, recognizing their open space and making accurate passes. Hermansson will be switching clubs this season from Örebro to MoDo, back to where he grew up and will get into a more comfortable environment.

Oscar Holmertz - Center - Linköping HC U20 (2026)

One of the better defensive prospects in this tournament for team Sweden, despite being a forward, is Oscar Holmertz. Besides producing at a good pace with his Linköping U20, he possesses a mature, good two-way game at a very young age. How translatable his offense is going to be is a question, but there’s no doubt about what you will get from him in his own end. He’s responsible at center, plays a supporting role to his defensemen and is positionally sound. If Oscar continues his offensive production, he could end up as one of the better two-way prospects for the 2026 Draft.

Bosse Meijer - Center - Frölunda HC U20 (2027)

A personal favourite of mine in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is Bosse Meijer, the next Gabriel Landeskog. Tenacious forechecker, defensively sound, and a good overall offensive game, Meijer is one of the few players that was invited to the team but not eligible for this year’s draft. He’s a center at heart but since the size might be an issue at only 5-foot-10 he might need to make the switch to wing. Though physicality is not an issue for him as despite him being younger and smaller than most of his opponents he rarely gets knocked off the puck and is not afraid to lay the body.

Marcus Nordmark - Wing - Djurgårdens IF U20 (2026)

Marcus Nordmark is a big winger that has the potential to be a future dual threat, power forward at the NHL level. He has solid vision to find open passing lanes, pushes the play towards the middle of the ice, and fancies wrist shots from those spots. His skating is below average, but thanks to his good hockey IQ, it may not be an issue in the future. In all likelihood Nordmark will be spending his time with the junior club and will try to be one of the leading scorers for his team.

Slovakia

By Matej Deraj

The tournament returns to Slovakia after two years, and the home team is aiming for a stronger result. The last time it was held in Trenčín, things didn’t go well for Martin Dendis’s squad. Slovakia lost all its games, even the final placement match against Germany, and finished in last place. This time, they’re hoping for a more successful run.

Last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup was an improvement. Slovakia almost pulled off an upset against Sweden in the opening game, falling 4-3 in overtime. They followed up with a 3–2 OT win over Switzerland and put up a respectable fight against Canada, despite a 5-1 loss. In the placement game, Slovakia defeated Germany 5–2 and finished in fifth place.

A similar result seems like a reasonable goal for this year’s Slovak team. They’ll benefit from home-ice advantage and the support from the stands, which should give them a moral boost. The first group stage match against the United States will determine their tournament. If Slovakia manages to win, they’ll have a solid chance to reach the semifinals. The last time Slovakia advanced to the final four was in 2021, when the juggernaut of a team led by Juraj Slafkovský, Šimon Nemec and Dalibor Dvorský took silver.

This year’s squad appears stronger than the 2023 team, which relied on underagers. On the other hand, the 2008 age group mostly lacks the experience from international U18 tournaments and many players will meet this level of pace for the first time, which will be a true challenge for Team Slovakia.

Goaltender Samuel Hrenák is expected to be a reliable No. 1 option. He’s a legit prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft and part of Slovakia’s promising new wave of goalies. Defenseman Adam Goljer (2026) brings poise and experience, while forward Timothy Kazda (2027) adds offensive skill. Both played at last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The forward group looks solid, including talented prospects like Matej Stankoven, Lucian Bernát, Michal Plančár, and underager Oliver Ozogány. However, the defensive group looks less mobile and more on the heavier side, which could lead to problems against better-skating opponents. Still, on paper, this Slovak squad has the potential to contend for a semifinal spot.

Key Players:

Timothy Kazda – LW/RW - Chicago Steel (2027)

Kazda has already played at last year's tournament and even scored a goal, which is an unusual feat for a 15-year-old. This year, he´ll be one of the most experienced players and an offensive leader. Kazda is a dynamic offensive forward with great hands, decent size at 6-foot-1 and also some bite to his game. He's a great scorer and fights for every puck. Overall, a very likeable prospect with some translatable traits – an interesting name for the 2027 draft. He´s already made his USHL debut and should spend the next season there.

Adam Goljer - RHD - HK Dukla Trencin (2026)

Goljer is probably the best 2008-born Slovak prospect who's eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He´s a calm two-way defenseman who has a lot of traits NHL teams love – he´s already 6-foot-3 and almost 200 pounds, right-handed, and a decent skater with some physicality to his game. He doesn´t stand out with his offensive skills or demolishing hits, but can grow into a reliable shutdown D. He should spend the next season with Trenčín in Slovak top tier league.

Samuel Hrenák – G - Team Slovakia U18/Fargo Force (2026)

Hrenák is the expected Goalie No. 1 for Team Slovakia, he´s already played some games with the U18 National Team and even made his U18 World Juniors debut at the last tournament. He has decent size (6-foot-3), he´s talented, quick and mobile. Still needs to work on his technique but he´s definitely very promising. Should be the backbone of the Slovak team if they want to achieve a successful result. He should follow the same path as Detroit´s third rounder Michal Prádel (2025) – to start the season with the U18 National Team in Slovak second division and then move to the USHL.

Matej Stankoven – C - Brampton Steelheads (2026)

Stankoven, a distant relative of Carolina Hurricanes´ forward Logan Stankoven, should be one of the key offensive creators for Team Slovakia. He's a quick forward with a decent hockey sense who plays a responsible two-way game. He was drafted by the Brampton Steelheads in the CHL Import Draft and is expected to start the season in the OHL. If he can translate his game to the North American ice, he could be on NHL teams´ radars as an intriguing pick for the 2026 draft.

Michal Plančár – LW/RW - SaiPa U20 (2026)

Plančár has already played some games in the Slovak top tier league and managed to score a goal at the age of fifteen, making him one of the youngest players in the league´s history to do so. He´s a typical power forward with a solid frame (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) who loves to finish his checks and destroy the opponents. He's mean and strong but also has legitimate skill and could be a decent draft prospect. He needs to score on a regular basis in the Finnish U20 league to have a shot in the draft but could gain a lot of attention due to his style of play.

Germany

By Chapin Landvogt

Team Germany enters the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup coming off its best U18 Worlds performance of this century. A quarterfinals thriller against Team Slovakia saw the Germans bow out in the quarterfinals by a one-goal margin and the opportunity to push the game to overtime was certainly there. A few of those young men are scheduled to be at the HG Cup but the new wave of players joining them hasn’t enjoyed the same hype as the previous group, which itself saw just three players selected in this past summer’s draft, namely Maxim Schäfer, David Lewandowski, and Carlos Händel, in that order.

New head coach Andreas Becherer will be guiding this team for the first time and with little preparation before the event, the truth is that Germany will likely have major problems achieving anything resembling on-ice success at the eight-team event. Instead, a few players here or there will be making their way into the notebooks of scouts (or not) while Becherer starts an arduous journey to his first time at the helm of the squad for the U18 Worlds next spring. In this first step, we hope to get a feel for what goaltending we’re looking at this winter and if any defensemen not named Rolsing or Pizka can make a positive impression. Up front, we’re expecting little from this group now, but are curious to see if underagers Max Penkin and Jonas Schwarz are already the best of the bunch.

All in all, you’ll not see us surprised if Team Germany manages to score just five or fewer goals at the tournament. It will be an invaluable experience for this group, one way or the other, but leaving any team behind them in the standings will be a big accomplishment in and of itself

Key Players:

Tobias Krestan - RW - HV71 U20 (2026)

A good-sized winger, Krestan has been with the HV71 youth program for ywo years running and checked in with over a PPG pace at the U18 level last season. The son of a Czech forward who enjoyed many years in a scoring role in predominantly Germany’s second league (and who now coaches the RB Juniors U15 squad), Krestan has been showing similar offensive tendencies, even if overall strength is lacking and skating will need to improve. He’s got an uncoordinated look to him, but there’s a nose for the net and some tricky mitts here.

Max Penkin - C - Adler Mannheim (2027)

Already one of the more impressive players for Germany in a limited role at the 2018 Worlds, he is the biggest name on Germany’s prospect front in the near future. No reason to think he won’t already be a go-to player in a top six capacity as he uses this tournament to get ready for Mannheim’s DEL camp. Strong skater and something of a shorthanded specialist.

Aurelius Pizka - LHD - Jokerit U18/U20 (2026)

Aside from Rolsing, Pizka is clearly the most talented defenseman in this year’s group and has been developing with the Täby program for the past two seasons. After this tournament, he should be heading to Finland for his next stop, with play in their Finnish U20 league looking likely. Lacks size but has gumption and smarts.

Darian Rolsing - RHD - Wenatchee Wild (2026)

Before he heads off to join Wenatchee for the upcoming WHL season, Rolsing will take his experience from the U18 Worlds, where the RHD gained more and more ice time, and add it to Germany’s efforts as the 6-foot-6 player who’ll surely have his hands full helping to keep pucks out of the net. This is the start of a big year for the top German prospect for next summer’s draft.

2025 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP PREVIEW -GROUP A – Canada, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland – Canadians chase fourth consecutive title gold medal

Brock Otten, Jeremy Rivet, Marek Novotny and Chapin Landvogt — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 15:08:10 +0000

GROUP A

Canada

By Brock Otten

Team Canada is hunting down its fourth straight Hlinka/Gretzky Cup gold medal, an event that they have largely dominated since its inception. Their odds of achieving the four-peat are fairly high too, given the strength of this year’s roster.

The defensive unit may just be the strongest group Canada has ever assembled for this event; scoring on Team Canada this year is going to be a huge challenge. Three of the team’s main defenders were key cogs for Canada in their U18 victory last May: Keaton Verhoeff, Ryan Lin, and Carson Carels. Daxon Rudolph was also there but played sparingly. After finding international success as underage players, this unit now tackles their own age group, which of course should be easier for them. Additionally, now that group also adds potential star Landon Dupont. It might not be fair.

Up front, the team will be incredibly balanced. They’ll have size, skill, and speed. Only Alessandro Di Iorio was a key member of that aforementioned U18 gold, so he’ll be leaned on heavily for his leadership. Outside that, expect Tynan Lawrence, Ethan Belchetz, and Mathis Preston to be the team’s key offensive figures and leaders.

Playing in Group A this year with Finland, Czechia, and Switzerland, Canada should be able to find success in the preliminary round. The team’s biggest threat to the four-peat is likely Sweden this year and they’ll be in Group B.

Key Players:

Keaton Verhoeff - Defense - University of North Dakota (2026)

Verhoeff made headlines this offseason by leaving the Victoria Royals of the WHL to play his draft year with UND of the NCAA. The big defender is the complete package; size, mobility, and two-way ability. Right now he’s the heavy favourite to go second behind Gavin McKenna in 2026 and with good reason. He should be one of the best defenders at this event and will captain this Canadian team.

Ryan Lin - Defense - Vancouver Giants (2026)

An unsung hero for Canada at the most recent U18’s, Lin was also a member of the CHL’s all-rookie team last year. He’s a high IQ puck mover who makes up for a lack of “physical tools” by being a strong critical thinker.

Carson Carels - Defense - Prince George Cougars (2026)

The third prominent member of that U18 defensive unit, Carels is a strong skating, two-way defender who, like Lin, is known for making heady plays with the puck. Interesting to note that of Canada’s top defenders at this event, Carels is the lone left-handed shot. He’s going to be playing a ton.

Landon Dupont - Defense - Everett Silvertips (2027)

The reigning CHL Rookie of the Year and top candidate for first overall in the 2027 NHL Draft, Dupont will have a ton of eyes on him at this event as an underager. But the offensive wizard should be up to the challenge after a strong performance at last year’s U17’s, where he captured silver with Canada Red.

Tynan Lawrence - Center - Muskegon Lumberjacks (2026)

There was some thought (or perhaps wishful thinking on the part of Chicoutimi) that Lawrence would leave the USHL this year for the QMJHL, but the Boston University commit has stayed loyal to Muskegon. He helped the Lumberjacks capture a Clark Cup title last year and was the playoff MVP. He should be the top center on this team, with his strong two-way play on full display.

Ethan Belchetz - Wing - Windsor Spitfires (2026)

The massive winger is going to be a load for opposing defenses to handle at this tournament given his skill and power game. He had a great U17’s last year for Canada White, helping them capture the gold. Expect him to be a force on the powerplay working down low.

Mathis Preston - Wing - Spokane Chiefs (2026)

A dynamic goal scorer, Preston led the U17’s in goal scoring last year, helping Canada White capture gold. To go with his excellent release and scoring instincts, Preston is also a dynamic skater and skilled handler, which allows him to consistently attack downhill.

Alessandro Di Iorio - Center/Wing - Sarnia Sting (2026)

The lone forward from the gold medal winning U18 team, Di Iorio projects as this Canadian team’s swiss army knife. He can play center or the wing. He can play in any situation and could be one of the team’s relied upon penalty killers. The coaching staff is likely to lean heavily on his experience and leadership capabilities, which is part of the reason why he’ll be wearing a letter at the event.

Finland

By Jeremy Rivet

After a disappointing showing in 2024, where they finished seventh following a winless round-robin, Finland will be looking to reset and re-establish their identity at this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Historically, the Finns have struggled at the Hlinka compared to other international tournaments, with just five total medals in tournament history. That said, they’ve shown flashes of competitiveness in recent years, including a bronze medal in 2022 — their first podium finish in a decade.

The 2025 roster doesn’t feature any projected first-round NHL picks at the moment, but it does include several of the country’s top U18 performers from last season, along with two defensemen who already represented Finland at the U18 World Championships: Juho Piiparinen and Samu Alalauri. This year’s squad leans heavily on structure, competitiveness, and size up front, with several physically mature forwards who can play heavy, north-south hockey.

Finland’s strength lies in its depth. There may not be any generational talents here, but nearly every player has produced at a high level in junior and brings projectable traits. The forward group is headlined by one of Europe’s most dangerous U18 scorers in Oscar Hemming, while the blue line features a mix of puck movers and big-minute defenders.

Expectations should remain modest — this is a balanced but not flashy roster — but if they can tighten up defensively, as Finland teams usually do, and get strong goaltending, the Finns could be a tough out in group play. They’re in a tough group against the likes of Canada and Czechia, but this roster has the tools to surprise.

Key Players:

Oscar Hemming – LW, Kiekko-Espoo, U18 SM-Sarja (2026)

The offensive catalyst for this Finnish group, Hemming dominated the U18 SM-Sarja last season with Kiekko-Espoo, scoring 35 goals and 63 points in just 31 games. He is probably the most likely Finnish player to rise up the draft boards throughout the year. At 6-foot-4, he blends pro-ready size with a goal scorer’s touch and natural instincts around the net. While his skating remains a work in progress, he finds space with smart routes and capitalizes with a quick, deceptive release. He’ll need to prove he can generate against stiffer competition and tighter checking in the U20 this season but expect him to be the go-to option on the power play and in key offensive moments at the Hlinka Gretzky.

Juho Piiparinen – RD, Tappara, U20 SM-Sarja (2026)

Piiparinen brings experience and poise to Finland’s back end. He played top four minutes at the U18 World Championship this past spring and spent most of last season logging steady minutes in the U20 league. A mobile, 6-foot-3 right-shot defender, he’s not flashy but plays a composed game and defends well with his stick and positioning. He’ll likely be leaned on in all situations, particularly on the penalty kill and late-game scenarios. Don’t expect big point totals, but he’s a stabilizer who should log 20+ minutes a night. This season, he is expected to see minutes in the Liiga with Tappara at some point.

Samu Alalauri – RD, Pelicans, U20 SM-Sarja (2026)

Another returning player from the U18 Worlds, Alalauri has the tools to be a quiet standout. At 6-foot-2, he’s a mobile right-shot defender who handles pressure well and moves pucks efficiently. He’s unlikely to rack up points, but he consistently makes the right play and rarely panics under pressure. With Piiparinen, he’ll form one half of Finland’s top shutdown pair and could play 5-on-5, PK, and second PP minutes. A steady, understated presence who should help keep games close. Like Piiparinen, he should see action in the Liiga this season with Pelicans.

Oliver Suvanto – C, Tappara, U18 SM-Sarja (2026)

A skilled and creative center who had 42 points in 42 U18 games last year, Suvanto brings much-needed playmaking to Finland’s lineup. At 6-foot-3, he has the frame to protect pucks and operate down low, but it’s his vision and ability to read plays that make him effective. He’ll likely slot into a top six role and be featured on the power play. If Finland’s offense is going to click beyond Hemming’s finishing, Suvanto’s distribution and puck touches will be a big part of it. After a point per game season last year, Suvanto is ready to see action in the U20 with Tappara this season.

Luka Arkko – LW, Pelicans, U18 SM-Sarja (2026)

A 6-foot-3 power forward with a raw but intriguing toolkit, Arkko brings size, reach, and flashes of skill to Finland’s forward group. He produced 35 points in 38 games at the U18 level last season and added a few more in a late-season stint with Pelicans U20. While his skating still needs refinement, he’s strong on the puck, works along the boards, and can finish in tight. He was the top goal scorer for Finland U17 last season, and his shot is really his biggest strength. This year, he should be able to establish himself at the U20 level with the Pelicans. If he finds chemistry and plays with pace, he could be a valuable piece for Finland.

William Gammals – G, Tappara, U18 SM-Sarja (2026)

Goaltending is always pivotal in short tournaments, and Gammals will have the first crack at the starter’s role. He posted a solid .910 save percentage and 2.69 GAA in 33 games last season and he was the most successful of the goaltenders that played for Finland U17 last season in terms of wins with 5 including 2 shutouts. He’s quick laterally, tracks well through traffic, and battles hard on second chances. While not overly big (6’0”), he plays with structure and confidence. If Finland wants to upset one of the big teams in Group A, Gammals will likely have to steal a game.

Wilmer Kallio – LW, TPS, U20 SM-Sarja (2026)

Kallio quietly put up excellent numbers last year with 35 points in 24 U18 games and added 11 more in 19 games at the U20 level. A slick puck handler with good edgework, he can carry the puck through layers and create offense off the rush. He’ll likely be put in the top 6 and help drive a scoring line. Kallio still needs to add strength, but he’s crafty enough to make a difference against top competition. This season, Kallio will try to build on his success from last year. Of note, Kallio is the son of former Atlanta Thrasher Tomi Kallio.

Czechia

By Marek Novotny

Czechia’s U18 squad is gearing up for a shot at a third straight medal at the prestigious Hlinka Gretzky Cup — and this year, the challenge comes with a home-ice twist. New head coach Jan Tomajko has named his 23-man roster for the tournament, which will be staged for the first time in Brno and neighbouring Trenčín from August 11–16. The group blends proven international experience with promising faces.

The roster includes a mix of eight defenders and thirteen forwards, supported by two goalies—František Poletín (Pelicans Lahti, Finland) and Martin Psohlavec (Karlovy Vary). Among the defenders are standouts Lukáš Kachlíř (Liberec), who already represented at U18 Worlds as a 15-year-old, and Jiří Kamas from Plzeň.

A major blow is the absence of Šimon Katolický, regarded as a top 2026 NHL prospect. An appendix surgery has ruled him out entirely, significantly impacting Czech offensive depth.

The tournament format will see Czechia face Switzerland, Finland, and Canada in consecutive evenings at Brno’s Winning Group Arena, with the goal of advancing to the semifinals and continuing the medal streak achieved under former coach David Čermák. Now, under Tomajko’s guidance and backed by a passionate home crowd, the young Czech squad will aim to turn promise into podium once again.

Key Players:

František Poletín - Goaltender - Pelicans U20 (2026)

The starting goalie for Czechia, Poletín impressed during U18 Worlds with a standout quarterfinal save performance against Canada. Now playing with Pelicans Lahti in Finland, he brings international experience, is poised in pressure situations, and has some solid puck-handling ability. Reliably consistent, experience at U18 Worlds gives him an edge despite his youth.

Lukáš Kachlíř - Defense - Bili Tygri Liberec U20 (2027)

Kachlíř already played at the 2025 U18 Worlds when he was just 15, and he seems super mature for his age when he's on defense. Playing for Liberec, he really helps Czechia move the puck up the ice as a very mobile skater and is great at keeping the right distance from attackers. He does need to get stronger to handle those tough forwards, but he's got a cool head and good defensive instincts that you don't usually see in someone so young.

Jiří Kamas - Defense - Penticton Vees (2026)

Jiří Kamas, a defenseman from Plzeň, who has decided to play overseas in the WHL for the Penticton Vees in the upcoming season, can really move. He's good at getting the puck out of his zone and plays well at both ends of the ice. His skating and how well he keeps attackers in front of him make Czechia's defense better. Even though he didn't play at the U18 Worlds, he's shown he's ready through his play with his club team. He just needs to get stronger and make better decisions in the zone when the pressure's on.

Šimon Bělohorský - Wing - Guelph Storm (2027)

Šimon is a goal-scoring winger, who will be shooting pucks for the Guelph Storm of the OHL in the 2025/26 season. He's got a quick release and knows how to finish plays. Even for his age, he's got great puck control and makes smart moves in the offensive zone. He makes good decisions when the pressure's on, has a good sense of where to be, and is good at creating chances when rushing the net or up close.

Filip Novák - Forward - HC Sparta Praha U20 (2026)

So, this kid starts out in Chomutov—barely a teenager, still rocking ninth grade—already mixing it up with the older kids. Not long after, boom, he’s off to Prague. At thirteen, he’s skating in the U17 Extraliga. Thirteen! He's a great talent who can lead the Czech attack. He's a smart forward with nice puck skills who can make plays and score goals. He has a dynamic two-way game – not only is he a shooter, he is also a play driver.

Michal Hartl - Forward - HC Kometa Brno U20 (2027)

Forward Michal Hartl, born in 2009, is one of the best players in his age group, proving to be a scoring machine and a consistent producer at several levels. One of the youngest players at the Hlinka/Gretzky, Hartl has the ability to execute plays through the neutral zone and put himself on rushes to create opportunities. He can produce, finish, and find open space all at high speed. Combination of those tools makes him a 2027 NHL Draft high-upside prospect.

Switzerland

By Chapin Landvogt

This is Tournament 1 after the disastrous result that was the 2025 U18 Worlds in Texas. It took a relegation round shootout, but Switzerland has been relegated at the hands of Norway and enters the Hlinka Gretzky Cup already preparing for next spring’s D1A U18 Worlds, where there can be no other goal than to gain promotion. Playing against Czechia, Canada, and Finland at the HGC means that Switzerland will, once again, be the heavy underdog. At least there’s no relegation here and even if the team should finish last, there’ll be a final placement game against the last-placed team in the other group to better test their metal.

For head coach Patrick Schöb, this tournament will be of great value in determining where several of his most important players are at for the all-important tournament next spring. Camp included 3 goalies, 10 defensemen, and 14 forwards, but another 15 players are listed as possible call-ups. None of goalies or defensemen were at the U18 Worlds this past spring while the team’s top 3 forwards heading into this tourney were. Peterborough Petes draft pick Yanis Lutz will also look to be one of the go-to players up front.

As has been the case in recent years, only Germany and Slovakia look like squads that the Swiss could leave behind them next week and chances are very good that they’ll meet one of those two in the placement game for 7th overall. But again, this tournament is going to be all about taking a first step towards gaining promotion next spring. For spectators, there will be a few very interesting players to keep tabs on.

Key Players:

Raphael Achermann - Wing - Rimouski Oceanic (2026)

A lefty shot winger headed to Rimouski of the QMJHL for the upcoming season, Achermann is one of the few players on this team who spent the entire 24-25 season in Switzerland’s U21 league entirely as a 16-year-old, putting up 25 points in 43 regular season games. Sneaky on the attack and used to putting up with rough stuff.

Fabrice Bouvard - Center - GCK Lions U20 (2026)

Bringing good size to the table for a forward of his age and ilk, Bouvard stepped all over U17 competition before becoming his U20 team’s sixth best scorer with 23 points in 42 games. A regular contributor for the nation’s U17 and U16 teams in international friendlies, the thought is that he has an outside shot at NL action this winter. A top 6 role at the HGC should be a given.

Jonah Neuenschwander - LW - EHC Biel-Bienne (2027)

Definitely the most interesting player to watch this summer, the 6-foot-3, 182-pound underager (just 16) is a top prospect for the 2027 draft and already brings WJC, U18 Worlds (4 assists in 5 games) and NL (3 assists in 15 games) experience to the table. This will be the first event of his DY-1 season and there’s a ton to be excited about for a player many feel will one day join the likes of Kevin Fiala and Nico Hischier as an offensively impactful Swiss NHL forward. Barring injury, he may represent his country at more international tournaments this season than perhaps any other single player out there.

Vito Thoma - RHD - EHC Kloten U20 (2026)

A smaller mobile defenseman with some jump in his game, Thoma had some impressive play as a puckmover in Switzerland’s U21 league this past season (13 points in 25 games) while his 26 points in 22 games in the nation’s U17 league gave him the top PPG average among defensemen in the league. He did all this as a 16-year-old, who just turned 17 on July 29th.

Clemens Troxler - C/W - Linköping HC U20 (2026)

Troxler is a 2025 U18 Worlds returnee who is set to join the Linköping program in Sweden for the upcoming season. The skilled multipositional forward has shone as a playmaker in Switzerland the past two seasons and was already seventh in scoring on his U21 league team as a 16/17-year-old. Good size and some impressive decision making with the puck makes him intriguing.